Community diabetes nurse awarded British Empire Medal in New Year Honours
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB’s lead community diabetes specialist nurse has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2022 New Year Honours.
Ceri Jones is a dedicated patient champion who empowers people with diabetes to have a healthy life without future complications.
Having first qualified as an RGN in 1986, it was four years later when Ceri became a district nurse that she began to develop an interest in diabetes - and went on to become the second diabetes specialist nurse for Rhondda.
Through her work and time volunteering with local diabetes groups, Ceri supports those with complex diabetes needs to remain safe in the community, avoiding hospital admission wherever possible.
In support of this aim, she also established a primary care diabetes service, which has received outstanding patient feedback and has led to Ceri being asked to develop similar services in other localities within the Health Board.
The nomination and subsequent Honours award was quite the surprise for patient-focused Ceri.
“I was shocked – to me, I’m just doing my job,” Ceri said.
“I’ve always been the same – my boss has always said you should publish this or that – but it’s my job, it’s what I’m here to do, I just don’t think of it any other way.
“I thought there are so many other people out there who do more than me.
“When I had the letter I didn’t quite fully understand what it was – I left it until someone rang me from the Honours team and then I thought, oh this is real!
“It’s nice to be recognised but my team are there, doing the work too – they’re amazing.”
Ceri also works hard to ensure her colleagues and future diabetes professionals thrive. In addition to patient care, she has trained and supported GP practices in the Cynon Valley, and delivers a Primary Care Diabetes postgraduate course at the University of South Wales (temporarily on hold).
She is dedicated to supporting and encouraging her own team in their achievements too, and established a diabetes specialist nurse competency programme.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Care Greg Dix said: “Ceri has made an outstanding contribution to diabetes support within our health board area. She combines her specialist knowledge with her passion for making patients’ lives better to deliver an exceptional level of care.
“As her colleagues say, Ceri is ‘one in a million’ and we are very proud to have her as a member of staff and friend here in Cwm Taf Morgannwg.”